HC Deb 18 February 1970 vol 796 cc410-1
29. Mr. Galbraith

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what reason has been given to him by oil and other industries for their application to develop in the Hunterston Peninsula.

Mr. Ross

Reasons were summarised in the written statement accompanying the development plan amendment, submitted to me by Ayrshire County Council —and have been developed at the public inquiry into that amendment, on which I will be receiving a report.

Mr. Galbraith

Is not the most important reason the unique depth of water? Does not this mean that developers who wish to come to this area cannot do so unless they can use large ships, and, therefore, the attraction of this area to those who wish to use large ships is such that the right hon. Gentleman should be able to impose conditions protecting amenity on developers who wish to come to the area?

Mr. Ross

I think the hon. Gentleman knows that I am in a rather difficult position at present because the inquiry has taken place and I am awaiting the report. It would be foolish to comment on anything in the inquiry.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

While I recognise the right hon. Gentleman's position in this matter, may I ask that he should bear in mind that the object must be to try to make full use of this deep water and at the same time to cause the least amount of damage to the coastline?

Mr. Ross

This is something to which I have referred before in discussions with the hon. Gentleman.